Contextual Bohmian Quantum Field Theories: A Hylomorphic Approach to QFT

We propose an extension of Bell-type Bohmian quantum field theories, called Contextual Bohmian Quantum Field Theory (CBQFT), which integrates micro-level dynamics and macro-level contextual structure within a unified, ontologically explicit formalism. CBQFT introduces classical variables $$\Lambda$$ that encode macroscopic contexts—such as detector configurations, thermal phases, or symmetry-breaking sectors—and allows these to modulate the underlying quantum dynamics in a lawlike way. We develop two versions of the model. CBQFT-1 treats context as a fixed but dynamically influential background, entering via a context-sensitive Hamiltonian and modified Bell-type jump rates on a single Fock space. CBQFT-2 upgrades context to a dynamical variable co-evolving with the particle (or field) configuration: $$\Lambda (x,t)$$ selects a (typically inequivalent) representation of the field algebra on a Hilbert space, wavefunctions are realised as global sections of the resulting Hilbert bundle, and Bohmian trajectories are guided by globally well-defined velocity fields constructed from local currents. Context transitions in CBQFT-2 are governed by a stochastic kernel informed by particle (or field) configurations and histories. This yields a Bohmian QFT with an explicit feedback loop between quantum events and macroscopic structure, offering a hylomorphic account of measurement, decoherence, and top–down causation.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Foundations of Physics
Published
2026-03-16
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10701-026-00923-z
Primary Topic
Quantum Mechanics and Applications
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

Funders

Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Contextual Bohmian Quantum Field Theories: A Hylomorphic Approach to QFT

William M. R. Simpson
Foundations of Physics
Quantum Mechanics and Applications
article

Contextual Bohmian Quantum Field Theories: A Hylomorphic Approach to QFT

William M. R. Simpson
article en

Abstract

We propose an extension of Bell-type Bohmian quantum field theories, called Contextual Bohmian Quantum Field Theory (CBQFT), which integrates micro-level dynamics and macro-level contextual structure within a unified, ontologically explicit formalism. CBQFT introduces classical variables $$\Lambda$$ that encode macroscopic contexts—such as detector configurations, thermal phases, or symmetry-breaking sectors—and allows these to modulate the underlying quantum dynamics in a lawlike way. We develop two versions of the model. CBQFT-1 treats context as a fixed but dynamically influential background, entering via a context-sensitive Hamiltonian and modified Bell-type jump rates on a single Fock space. CBQFT-2 upgrades context to a dynamical variable co-evolving with the particle (or field) configuration: $$\Lambda (x,t)$$ selects a (typically inequivalent) representation of the field algebra on a Hilbert space, wavefunctions are realised as global sections of the resulting Hilbert bundle, and Bohmian trajectories are guided by globally well-defined velocity fields constructed from local currents. Context transitions in CBQFT-2 are governed by a stochastic kernel informed by particle (or field) configurations and histories. This yields a Bohmian QFT with an explicit feedback loop between quantum events and macroscopic structure, offering a hylomorphic account of measurement, decoherence, and top–down causation.

Foundations of PhysicsVol. 56(2)
University of Cambridge (GB), University of Oxford (GB), The Ohio State University (US)
Michigan State University, University of Texas at Austin, University of Oxford, College of Engineering, Michigan State University
Peace, Justice and strong institutions
Openalex Percentile: Top 19%
Quantum Mechanics and Applications
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.